Why Erling Haaland could still join Real Madrid even if he signs a new contract with Manchester City

The Norwegian striker hinted at a future move to the LaLiga giants before the Champions League game against Copenhagen.

Erling Haaland caused quite a stir ahead of Manchester City’s midweek Champions League game against Copenhagen. “I’m sure I’ll read what I’ve said in the headlines tomorrow,” said the Norwegian striker, before dropping the following bombshell: “Real Madrid? You never know what the future may bring”.

It would be rather easier for the former Borussia Dortmund star to say that he was very happy in Manchester (which appears to be true) and that he is only focused on achieving big things with City. Instead, however, he chose to send a measured, premeditated message to Real Madrid. As AS has previously reported, Haaland remains keen on Los Blancos and vice versa.

The possibility of seeing Haaland kitted out in white in the future therefore isn’t out of the question, despite the imminent arrival of Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappé.

The negotiation skills of Rafaela Pimenta, the Norwegian’s agent, are renowned the world over. When her client joined Manchester City, she ensured a clause was inserted in his contract allowing him to leave in the summer of 2024 for a “reasonable” price, if the buying club was from outside the Premier League. On top of that, the fee drops as the end of the transfer window draws closer.

If Haaland extends his current deal, as is City’s intention and for which talks have been held, Pimenta’s modus operandi means the door will almost certainly remain open for him to leave, giving Madrid - and Haaland, given his recent words - hope he could end up in the Spanish capital.

The potential issue for Real Madrid is having both Haaland and Mbappé on their wage bill at the same time.